rikkitrioksidilla

Rikkitrioksidi, with the chemical formula SO3, is a colorless, highly corrosive liquid or solid at room temperature, depending on its purity and form. It is a key intermediate in the industrial production of sulfuric acid, one of the most widely manufactured chemicals globally. SO3 is produced through the catalytic oxidation of sulfur dioxide (SO2) in the contact process. This process typically involves passing a mixture of SO2 and air over a vanadium pentoxide catalyst at elevated temperatures.

When pure, SO3 exists in several allotropic forms, including a linear trimer and polymeric structures. It reacts violently with water, producing sulfuric acid, a reaction that is highly exothermic and can generate significant heat. This reactivity makes it a hazardous substance to handle. SO3 is also a strong oxidizing agent. In the atmosphere, it can form sulfuric acid aerosols, contributing to acid rain. Due to its corrosive and reactive nature, strict safety precautions are necessary when storing, transporting, and using rikkitrioksidi. Its primary industrial application is its immediate conversion to sulfuric acid, which finds uses in fertilizer production, petroleum refining, metal processing, and chemical synthesis.